For whatever reason, Ashe found the streets of Loguetown to be cramped. She weaved between people, occasionally bumping shoulders with passersby. Though they cursed her rudeness over their shoulders, she paid them no heed. Briskly walking away from the source of discomfort.

How far did she retreat?

Arm braced against a lamp post. Ashe leaned against it before peering over. The weapon store was far into the distance. Rhythmic thumping in her chest mellowing with each passing second.

Why was that woman here? Is this where they stationed her? Sighing in annoyance, Ashe found a seat at a nearby bench. The gears begin to spin within her mind, recollecting distant memories.

Tashigi.

Ashe knew they'd meet again eventually, but not this soon. The two of them had a few run ins during their training back at Headquarters. To say they were friends would be an overstatement. Ashe had kept to herself, never speaking to anyone, and focused only on training.

Occasionally, she would have a shadow. A fellow cadet following her around for whatever reason and sticking like glue. Why? Ashe never bothered to ask. It truly was a blessing Tashigi did not have her glasses on. Her vision is atrocious without them. Yet without those spectacles, it was difficult for Ashe to recognize her as well. Fingers clasped before her face in thought, she allowed herself to soothe and disassociate.

Entrenched in her own thoughts, Ashe did not notice the hand waving before her. Not until fingers snapped repeatedly. "Anyone home? Beri for your thoughts?"

Flinching back to reality, "Oh, sorry. I didn't realize you were there. What's up, Nami?"

The navigator of the Straw Hats stood with a large sack over the shoulder and a hand on the hip. "Really? I never would have guessed. If you weren't broke, I'd have robbed you blind by now. Are you alright?"

Ashe waved her off, standing at her feet. "Yes, I just had something on my mind, that's all…How'd you know I was broke?"

Nami hummed, "Want to talk about it?" She ignored the question entirely with a smile.

"…Maybe later." She did not see much harm in talking about it. There was not much personal stuff in that subject area. Just not here.

Satisfied for now, Nami smiles. "Alright, later then. I am holding you to it. What are your plans for now? I was going to drop this stuff off at the Going Merry and then go shopping for essentials for the ship. Do you want to join me? We can grab something to eat, my treat."

"Your treat? I must be more out of it than I thought."

"Keep that up and I'll let you starve."

The two made their way back to the Going Merry in peace. Ashe discreetly made them take the long way to avoid any unwanted confrontations. That did not mean Ashe wasn't peering over her shoulder constantly. Ashe's brows raised as she watched Nami empty the large sack in her room of the Going Merry.

"Clothes…It is all clothes…Who needs that much?"

Nami huffed in annoyance, "What are you talking about? This is barely enough to tide me over. I am not going on this long voyage and wearing the same clothes the entire time."

"Isn't that a bit much? Not even I had that much on my boat. That's overkill."

Slamming her dresser shut, Nami spun toward Ashe, face expressionless. "Wait…Ashe…How many outfits do you have right now?" A distant memory tickles the back of the navigator's head.

A tilt of the head in question, "Uh, just this one I am wearing right now. I don't exactly have the funds or space to buy new ones right now."

Frustration boiled within, "I knew it…Leave your backpack here."

Nami stepped closer, a terrifying shadow over her eyes. "What are y—Urk." Ashe barely managed a word before tossing her backpack onto the ground in Nami's room. A firm hand clutched onto the back of her collar while dragging Ashe off the ship. "What are you doing?"

"We are going shopping. I am not going to let a friend of mine only have one set of clothes. It has been days now since you first told me!" Nami's heavy steps thundered across the ground. People quickly moved out of her way.

Ashe attempted to struggle free from the iron-fist at the nape. Lips parting to talk-back, were quickly snapped shut from Nami's death glare. Raising her hands in surrender, Ashe allowed herself to be dragged into a boutique store. Only to be thrown into a changing stall and smothered under a mountain of clothes.

"I think I got your size right. Try on what you like."

Rolling her eyes, Ashe figured it would be easier to just comply. Trying on an assortment of clothes and avoiding anything resembling a skirt or dress. Pulling back the curtain after changing into simple black shorts reaching mid-thigh and a red shirt with 'Poison' on it, Ashe leans against the frame. "In case you forgot. I don't exactly have a safe place to keep an extra set of clothes right now. So, this is kind of meaningless."

Nami hums, wiggling her hand signaling, 'passable.' Causing Ashe to snort before disappearing into the booth once more. "I'm aware. That's something I wanted to talk to you about. You know, you forgot to tell me goodbye like the others."

A pause of ruffling clothing, "I didn't forget…I just didn't know what to say. Besides, you still owe me. Figured we'd meet again." A sigh before showing off another outfit. Brown pants, a green sleeve-less vest with buttons, and a blue long sleeve shirt. Crossing arms under her bust for Nami's approval. "Which, I was right."

Pacing forward, Nami straightens the collars of the clothing before nodding in approval. "Only because I reached out to you. Otherwise, you'd be wrong. Don't go trying to pretend you planned it all out. It just worked out in your favor." Nami strolled away toward the counter with a backhanded wave. "Also, we need to talk about your taste in clothes too."

Slowly blinking, Ashe looks down on herself. "…What's wrong with the way I dress?"

"It would be easier to tell you what isn't wrong."

Why did that hurt so much?

Pouting, Ashe changes back into her usual attire before meeting Nami at the register. She was happily chatting with the owner. "What are you two talking about?"

"I saw some cute ribbons, but they don't have the colors I want." Nami sulked against the counter.

The owner explained the situation, "I would be more than happy to craft the colors you want, but I am in a bit of a pickle right now."

"What seems to be the problem?" Inquired Ashe.

The frizzled haired owner sighed, "Where to start? Today is generally the busiest time of the week, so I must be here the entire time. However, I had a big order come in this morning. It is simple enough, but there's a problem. I'm practically out of dye. I don't even have enough to finish the order, but it should buy me time to restock tomorrow. I'm just going to be late with the order."

Ashe narrowed in on the problem, "So, what you're saying is, you need more dye? Which you will then be able to craft the ribbons Nami wants and complete your work order?"

"Yes, but the dye technician is on the other side of town. Now you see the pickle I'm in."

Nami further pouted, "I wanted an orange and blue ribbon, but she doesn't have any."

The tailor apologized once more, "I'm sorry, but I don't stock orange because it rarely sells and blue quickly sells out because of the Marines."

"If I brought you some dye, would you be willing to buy them off me?" Stated Ashe.

"The day isn't over, and I use the earnings for today to budget what I can get. It would be difficult to buy them outright."

Humming to herself, Ashe places the bottles of dye upon the counter from her earlier work. "How about a discount? Fifty percent." Nami straightened up with Beri symbols replacing her eyes. Anything that kept Beri in her pocket got her attention.

"Fifty?! You've lost your mind. They are only worth a twenty percent discount." The tailor leaned onto her counter.

Ashe copied the motion. The woman was a haggler, good. She will be able to get something out of this. Even Ashe knew fifty was way too much. Always start high and lower down. "Twenty? Now you're just trying to rob me. Forty."

Nami glanced back and forth between the bartering women. Silently cheering on Ashe while quietly cursing at each rebuke.

"Wait a minute, who's trying to rob who here? How do I even know this isn't watered down trash? Convenient for you to have these bottles on you. Some kind of scammer? Twenty-five. I can just buy it cheaper in person."

Sarcastically leaning back, "I mean, if that's how you feel. Perhaps you don't need this dye. Not like you have a big order to fulfill. I'd hate to imagine what would happen if you were late. Your client would lose trust in you." Ashe shrugged her shoulders while rolling her eyes. "Not like…trust is the most important thing to a merchant or craftsman. So, what if word gets around that you can't fulfill work orders on time and the trust of clients withers away." A wicked grin with a glint in the eye, "Not like you have much to lose, hm?"

The woman grits her teeth with a clenched fist. Nami vigorously nodding in agreement in the background. "You're a shrewd one, aren't you? However, you still have not proven the quality of the dye. For all I know, this stuff is fake."

She has a point.

Ashe felt Nami staring at her. As if telling her not to screw this up. Talk about pressure when nothing is really at stake. Inspecting a bottle, Ashe notices numbers and an emblem on the bottom. What are they there for? No idea. "We both know what this means, don't we?"

If all else fails, lie.

With a glance, the seamstress did not even need to inspect further. She sighed in reluctance. "Fine, I'll give you a thirty percent discount and I'll make your two ribbons, free of charge." Chewing her bottom lip, Ashe knows she could get a better deal. Just another nudge or two.

"Deal!" The hand slamming between the two rattled them momentarily. Both having forgotten about the spender in the first place. "You'll craft the two ribbons I want, free of charge?"

When the tailor confirmed Nami's question, Ashe spoke to the navigator. "Um, are you sure you're okay with this deal?"

At the end of the day, Nami is the one paying after all. "Yep!" The tangerine woman conversed with the seamstress about the ribbons she wanted. Even going so far as to add a few alterations for detail.

The seamstress moved to speak up for additional charges, but one glance at Ashe about to cut in made the woman scowl. Altering the ribbons on her own dime. Boxing the ribbons, she begins to bag a pile of clothes that was on the counter. How did Ashe not see it there in the first place? "What are those for?"

Nami grinned, "Undergarments for you. I knew you'd forget the essentials."

"You really don't have to do this, you know that, right?" How was she even going to carry all this?

A palm slapped onto Ashe's shoulder. "You keep telling me that. Just be quiet, accept it, and thank me before I change my mind."

"…How can I thank you if you're telling me to be quiet."

"Shut up! Smarty-pants."

Finishing the transaction, the woman politely escorted Nami out of the boutique with a smile. And well wishes to do business again. Thankfully, she only threw Ashe out and did not use her polished boot. With bag in hand, Nami counted the Beri she saved with a greedy chuckle.

Ashe sighed to herself, having lost her opportunity to make some Beri. Hopefully she can find another gig to make some cash.

"Here."

As they walked, Ashe found a small wad of bills offered by Nami. "…What's this?"

"Some of the money you helped me save. Go on, take it."

Ashe stared at it, perking a brow. "Um…you're not going to charge me 300% interest or anything, are you?"

Nami smirked, fanning the bills to cover the lower half of her face. "Oh? Did you run into Zoro? Don't worry, I'll give you a special rate." The navigator laughed at the grimace while slapping the Beri into the alchemist's hand. "Take it, before I change my mind. I saved money and got two ribbons out of it. I'm happy. Next time, I'm dragging you with me when I go shopping."

Grasping the offered Beri, Ashe mentally counts the bills before pocketing them. A nice little sum of spending cash. "Thank you. I appreciate it. Where to now?"

Humming, Nami begins to list off items she needs on her fingers. "Well, we could use a spare rope for the sails, soaps, cleaners, wax and sealant. Thankfully, we can get most of that at the general goods." Noticing only a single set of footsteps, Nami finds herself alone. "Ashe? Did you just ditch me?"

Retracing her steps, she spots the familiar shade of amethyst standing outside a peculiar store. Standing next to her, Nami notices the windows were covered with dark curtains. At the door was a warning sign. "So…I notice something caught your eye. What is this place?"

The woman was nearly vibrating out of her boots in suppressed glee. A first and strange sight to see those dull eyes sparkling in anticipation. "It's an Apothecary. I'm gonna see what they got." Nami scratched her head, watching as Ashe practically all but skipped into the dark store. With a shrug, she followed in.

Upon entry, Nami was assaulted by a strange sensation. Perhaps it was from the multitudes of smells, but there was a slight fog. The lights were dim. Hacking out a cough, Nami waves the smoke away on approach to the counter. Only for the frail and wrinkly woman to point her smoke pipe to the back. Already anticipating the question of her friend's location.

To her shock, Nami found the sight of Ashe bouncing between shelves. Inspecting a multitude of powders, mushrooms, rocks, minerals, insects, and liquids. Always something new catching her eye before darting over to inquire. Leaning against a shelf, Nami snorted in a newfound amusement at the sight.

Before a dull thump echoed out.

At the very back were small fish tanks. Each providing a home for a multitude of exotic fish that Nami has never seen before. It was the scene of Ashe smushing her face against the glass for a closer look that made the navigator emit lovely laughter. "What are you doing?"

Peeling herself from the glass, Ashe beckoned Nami over. "Come look! I've been trying to fish some of these up for days now."

Nami hunched over curiously, "What is so special about these fish? They are certainly colorful."

Grinning, Ashe nodded while pointing them out. "Right? These colorful ones are pretty much all poisonous. So, remember what they look like and try not to touch them. Especially this purple and yellow catfish. If you eat it, you're in for a bad time. Trust me. Though the usual blue and green are safe to eat."

"You make it sound like you've tried it before."

"I have." Blunt and straight-forward. "I was curious to know what it felt like. So, I took a bite out of one. Those three days were something else. Nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, and difficulty eating. If there's someone you don't like, I recommend using this to get back at them. It's great."

"Nope. I've heard enough." Once more grabbing onto the back of Ashe's collar, Nami drags her away from the aquarium. Protests falling on deaf ears. "I'm not going to let you waste the Beri I gave you on something stupid like that."

Though she grumbled, Ashe relented without a fight. She had no place to keep a live fish anyway. It would just be a waste of Beri. Instead, Ashe bought more materials to replenish the potions missing from her belt. There was nothing that she needed other than that. Oh, there was plenty that she wanted, but lack of funds said no.

After numerous attempts to go back to the aquarium section of the store. Spouting nonsense about wanting just a nibble. Whether she meant to bite or be bitten, the navigator had no idea. Instead, Nami was forced to drag the woman out of the apothecary. "I swear, I'm surrounded by kids."

"In my defense. Apothecaries are rare, so I get excited when I see them." Ashe peered up to the sky, avoiding eye contact.

Nami slowly turned to Ashe with a deadpan, "You put your hand in the fish tank and tried to get a venomous eel to bite you."

"…I was curious…Just a nibble…" A fist pummeled into her shoulder, courtesy of an annoyed Nami. "Ow."

Shortly after, people began running up a road leading into the hills of Loguetown. The excitement on their faces drew curiosity from the duo. Nami reached out to snatch a man by the collar of his shirt.

She's getting too good at that for Ashe's comfort.

Nami released the guy after informing her what the commotion was about. "Daddy the Parent is having a duel? Who's the unlucky fellow, I wonder." She grinned while thumbing in the direction, "Wanna go, and see?"

"No, I'm not all that interested." Ashe had heard that name before, a former marine turned bounty hunter. A famous one at that. Even though she highly doubted he would even know who she was, there's no need to take the risk. She suddenly found herself holding all the bags collected so far.

"Suit yourself. I am going to go see what this Daddy the Parent is all about. After all, he may come after us one day." Nami's eyes shifted into Beri signs, a wallet in her hand. "I do love a crowd, easy pickings." The real motive of her enjoyment for crowd gatherings being displayed.

"…Did you steal that guy's wallet when you caught him?"

Feigning innocence with sparkling eyes, "Me? I'd never do such a thing! Oh you, you're such a joker!" Nami counted the bills before tossing the empty wallet over her shoulder. "You can place that stuff back in my room. Remember, I still need to talk to you later." With a skip in her steps, the cat burglar followed the crowd. Only turning around momentarily, "Oh, the weather is changing. Meaning it is going to rain later. So don't be out too long. Ta-ta."

Ashe blinks in amusement. That woman seems to do as she pleases. Sighing to herself, the bags crinkle in her hands with a stomach growl. "Suppose I'll get a snack on the way." There was no need to hurry. Calmly pacing through the streets of Loguetown, she takes in the sights.

She did notice a few peculiar oddities here and there. Some shady figures in cloaks huddling in alleys and whispering amongst themselves. When one of them locked eyes with her, Ashe noticed a bright red object on their face before concealing themselves once more.

There even seemed to be more marines out on patrol. At least, they masked it as patrols. The groups were too large, and their movements delved into hideaways. That was abnormal from patrol paths.

It did not take much to realize they were searching for something.

Either way, none of it was her concern. Until a group of three sped by her, nearly barreling her down. It looked like two males carrying a pink haired woman. They were too fast to accurately detail, but it soured her mood. "Seriously…What's going on around here?"

"My darling! I knew I recognized that lovely sound!" Ashe stiffened uncomfortably with a grimace. While she grew accustomed to it on the Going Merry, it was a different matter in public. "Your love for me brought you back to me!"

Stretching out her hand, Ashe caught Sanji by the face. Preventing the man from smothering her in a hug. "Hey Sanji, fancy meeting you here." The gossiping hens staring and pointing at her caused a slight red hue to the ears. They made no effort to conceal their comments about young love. Unconsciously causing her hand to harden its vice-grip and grind into Sanji's skull.

It was not until he flailed and tapped her arm in surrender did Ashe realize what she was doing. "Sorry, are you alright?"

Hands upon his cheeks, Sanji blushed while catching his breath. "Ah, my darling. I could feel your love clenching at my—" The murderous aura leaking from Ashe caused the love cook to snap shut before submitting to her anger. Even the onlookers squirmed away. "My apologies, what brings a lady such as yourself to this part of town?"

Ashe showed him the bags she was carrying. "Just taking these back to the Going Merry for Nami. I'm in no rush, so I took the scenic route. What about you?"

Straightening his tux jacket, "I was heading to the fish markets near the harbor to see what they have available. We could use more food for the voyage, and it is my responsibility to make sure we always have plenty. If you are free, would you care to join me?" Ashe made to reject his offer, but the growl of her stomach interrupted the notion. "I'll throw in a meal, my treat, for a lovely lady."

"Alright, not like I have anything else to do anyways." Hunger always seems to have the right of way. Sanji's hand was suddenly outstretched and palm up. "What?"

"Your bags, mademoiselle. It would be unbecoming of me as a gentleman to allow a lady to burden herself with such manual labor."

Staring at each other, they were motionless for only a moment. Ashe rolled her eyes and walked past him, bags in hand. "Don't stand too close to me right now."

Sanji slowly watched her walk on by. "Eh? Why?"

Her free hand waved him off over the shoulder, "Be more mindful of your surroundings, love cook."

Confused, he shrugs before lighting himself a cigarette. Quickly catching up with his longer strides before matching her pace. "So, I take it you were with Nami earlier. Where is she now?"

"Something about watching a duel involving a bounty hunter named Daddy the Parent. Other than that, no idea."

Directing her over to a nearby food stall, he buys two kabobs. A small snack to tide them over. Fresh vegetables with seasoned fish. "Hm…Has she talked to you about anything important yet?"

She politely thanked him for the food. "Define important, because nothing comes to mind."

The chef nibbles at his kabob, stroking his chin while inspecting the pattern of vegetables for his own variation later. "If you're asking that, then she has not talked to you about it yet. I don't think it is my place to ask either. Have you found a passage into the Grand Line yet?"

Finishing their snacks at the same time, he holds out his hand for her trash. Which she yields to him. "No, I have not had the time to search. Perhaps I'll ask around while we are there."

Sanji throws their trash into a public bin as they walk. "I see. Well, hopefully everything works out for you." Upon entering the bustling fish markets, it was crowded with stalls and colorful banners. The smell of the ocean was strong here with the scent of marine life. "I am going to check out the fish vendors. You may join me if you wish."

Scanning around the harbor, something caught her eye before politely turning down his offer. "No thanks. I'll be over there when you're finished."

Separating for a moment, Sanji gave his word to find her once he was done. She told him there was no rush and where to find her if need be.

Boots thumping against a fishing pier, she strolls down the long structure leading into the ocean. Salt tickling at the nose with a billowing wind as the waves crash against the wooden pillars. Reaching the end, there was only one person there with her.

A small elderly man with khaki shorts, sandals, a blue buttoned shirt, and a white bucket hat. Standing next to the rail, he was casually fishing without a care in the world. Only the sound of the waves and occasional seagull. "Oh? Rare for someone to join me. The fish are lively today."

Setting down her bags, Ashe leans against the sturdy railing. She noticed a large bucket behind him, filled with a plethora of fish. Most of them were quite uncommon as well. "I'd like to, but I don't have a rod." Movement catches her eye. "Um, who's your friend?"

There at his feet, was a blue octopus, tentacles wrapped around a pillar. A matching white bucket hat on its head. One tentacle waved at her in greeting. Instinctively causing her to wave back politely.

"Oh? That's just Inky. He and I go way back." When she questioned how they met, he cracked a brow in thought. "Long ago when I was learning to be a fisherman, old Inky jumped on my boat. Apparently, I had caught his dinner and he wanted it back. Next thing you know, he was eating and sleeping on my ship. And the rest is history."

Ashe hummed, "Interesting. Didn't know octopus lived that long."

"Re-heh! You and me both!" He cracked out a chuckle before reeling in a small sardine. Casually feeding it to Inky before throwing the line back out once more. "Tell me, do you have a name, Stranger? People here call me Reels. On the count I always reel them in."

Lower back against the railing, she looks at her exposed skin. "Ashe, on the count of…Forget it." Spinning around, she looks out to the ocean. Reels was already pulling in another sardine for Inky. "Seems you live up to the name, Reels. What's your secret? It takes me a while to get a bite. If I'm lucky."

"Secret? Ain't no secret to it, girlie. I'll tell you like everyone else. It all comes down to bait." Another sardine to feed Inky. Only for said octopus to refuse. Reels crooks a smile before throwing it back into the ocean.

Slumping against the rail, she pouts. "That's what everyone tells me. Yet I use the bait they tell me, and I still struggle to get even a nibble. I don't get it."

"Well, there's your problem. Nearly every fisherman uses standard baits. From cheap to quality. They rip people off, I'll tell you what. They know nothing about proper fishin'."

"Teach me then."

Staring at her momentarily, his eyes flicker down for barely a second. Leaning his pole against the wood, he beckons Ashe over. Kneeling to a small metal box, he shuffles to the side for her to have a clear view. "It's all about taste."

Her head tilted in confusion. "Taste? Do I need to taste these and know what flavor it is or something?"

"What? No! I mean, yes, but no! I meant the fish. Each fish has its own preference of taste. Tell me, what is your favorite food?"

"Ice cream, vanilla to be exact."

His brow perked, "Hm, bit old to have ice cream as your favorite…Who am I to judge. Anyways, picture this. You're a fish, living your life doing fish things in the ocean. Next thing you know, you're hungry. You have two choices, find something in the ocean or take your chances with some bait. Are you with me so far?"

Ashe nods with a head tilt. Inky slowly slithering to her side to perch. "I'm following."

"Good, often you'll choose the safe route, as the fish. Not all fish are stupid after all…Debatable though." Inky waves a weary tentacle. "But wait a minute, a third lure appears. This one is a bucket of vanilla ice cream. Now, what are the chances of making a safe and rational choice?"

Cupping her chin in thought, "Hm…I see…It is about finding the best preference of bait for a species to increase the chances of an irrational decision." Blinking in realization, she peers up to the clear blue sky. "So…That was just a fancy way of saying…Choose the right bait?"

"No! Wait…yes…I mean, its more difficult than that! Here, look." Placing a lure on his hook, Reels grabs two vials of powder from his metal box. One yellow and the other white. Accurately sprinkling more of the yellow than the white on his bait. Lazily throwing it into the waters, barely a moment later, he snags up a catfish. "Try it."

After she received his fishing rod, Reels releases his newest catch before relaxing in his reclining chair. When Ashe finished inspecting it, she realized it was worn but well maintained and taken care of. Copying his technique, she flicks the lure into the ocean. Time slowly passes while she notices how much longer it is taking compared to his.

"Any second now."

His prediction was correct.

A tug on the line for a successful catch. Reeling it in, Ashe struggles a bit. Her catch was surprisingly strong. Bracing her foot against the wooden railing, she heaves with all her strength. The ocean parts in a spray of droplets after winning the battle. Eyes lighting up in mirth at her new record for a quick catch. A smile appeared on her face to see the hefty catfish.

Only to be met with a hissing and fanged maw snapping at her face. Throwing down the fishing pole, Ashe stumbles back and grabs the agile serpent in desperation. "Oh shi—" The snake flicks and wraps around her body. Constricting and squeezing with a snapping maw. The two wrestled and fought on the ground in a renewed battle.

"Re-he-he-he! Not what you expected now was it?"

"A-A little…help!"

Roaring in laughter, the elderly fisherman slaps at his knee. Inky rolls its eyes before spewing out a blob of ink. Blinding the sea serpent for Ashe to find a better grip and unravel herself free. With grit teeth she spears the vicious thing back into the ocean.

"Re-hehe-he! Scared the hell out of me too! Nearly lost my fingers on the first time." His laughter slowly died down, the old octopus shaking its head. "Not as easy as you thought, eh?"

Collecting herself with calming breathes, she sits next to the metal box. "I don't understand. I used the same technique."

Reels pats Inky on the top of his hat. "Going back to the scenario from earlier. What happens if that bucket of ice cream turns into a fridge worth. It will be stronger and more enticing. It could attract another fish. A bigger fish. What if it's a predator to what you're trying to catch?"

"It will scare everything else away before taking the bait for itself."

Nodding his head, Reels repeats his technique once more. Showing the proper amount to her watchful eye. "Remember, there are an uncountable number of fish out in these oceans. Many of them share the same tastes. You will need to learn the correct mixture for what you want." A tug on the line.

"How do I know when it's a correct mixture?"

Reeling in his catch, a catfish casually hangs from the line. Wiggling and squirming out of water. "Same way I do. Trial and error…Mostly error, but that's the fun part. You will have to just figure things out on your own."

Ashe finds herself holding his fishing pole while he allows Inky to crawl up his arm to perch on his shoulder. The gears in her head begin to whirl in process. If she could learn more about this technique, it would drastically improve her quality of life in collecting marine life for ingredients or materials. "Please, where can I learn more about this and purchase the tools?"

"Eh? What are you talking about? You already have everything you need right there." Popping his back with a stretch, Reels motions to the rod and metal box. "They are yours to keep."

Flinching back, "Wait? What? I can't, I don't have the Beri to pay you for these."

"Don't need it." Walking past her, Reels pats Ashe on the shoulder. "Take em, free of charge. I no longer have any use for them." Before she could attempt to reject his offer, he waved her off. "Consider it as an apology." His wrinkly lips curled into a somber smile, his eyes lingering on the clear jewel. "For the serpent of course, and an investment for you to return and show me what you've learned."

"I…Thank you, Reels." She bowed, properly thanking him for his generosity. "I'll master this technique and share what I learn."

With a chuckle, he nods. "I look forward to it." Parting gestures, Reels slowly walks down the pier. Leaving the young woman to her new device. He laughs and smiles at the recollection of his youth. Replaying the memory of when he too accidentally caught a sea serpent for the first time. "Those were the days."

Further along, he looks over his shoulder. Watching as she goes through the metal box. She will find a small piece of paper that lists the materials and how to make them. A parting gift for when the promised person would show up. "It seems…he was right. She really did show up. How many years has it been, Inky?" The octopus wiggles happily with mirthful eyes. "They may look different, but their personalities are nearly identical. Even down to their favorite food. They are siblings alright. Both fell for the same bait."

(A/N)

Woo~, finally passed the 50k mark. Next benchmark is to pass the 100k before the year is over, hopefully. Do leave a review or comment to let me know if there is something I should improve on or just thoughts. Thank you for reading this far for now. Onto the next goal!